A Chiropractic Education

It is a common misconception that Chiropractor’s do not receive as much education as a medical doctor. Chiropractor’s aren’t just given the title of Doctor, they have earned it. At Palmer, where Dr. Kyle graduated from, students are enrolled for 3 and a third years. The school year is all year round and is broken down into trimesters making it equivalent to a 5 year program in traditional curricular models. A student on a full load can take as many as 35 credit hours in one trimester for a total of nearly 4,500 classroom hours by graduation. Much like medical doctors, Doctors of Chiropractic take classes in anatomy, physiology, psychology, obstetrics, and pediatrics to name a few. Because Doctors of Chiropractic rely on natural methods to help their patients, the ability to diagnose properly is crucial. Therefore Chiropractors actually take double to triple the credit hours in diagnosis, neurology, and x-ray than do medical doctors. The major differences in the curriculum between the two fields are the areas of specialty that the other does not perform. For example Spinal Adjustments and manipulation for Chiropractors and pharmacology and general surgery for medical doctors. In addition to their formal education, many students take elective courses, certification courses, and apply for diplomate programs. Students also spend over one third of their education in a clinic setting where they gain experience diagnosing and treating patients. All Chiropractors are required to pass 4 rigorous National Board Exams and comply with the regulations of the state they are practicing in. Some states have their own board exams. Chiropractors are often referred to as alternative health care providers but in reality they can function as a general practitioner for all of your health care needs. Chiropractors are well trained in their limitations and scopes of practices and will gladly refer their patients out for situations that they can not help with. While a Chiropractor can not prescribe drugs, they can suggest other natural remedies and treatments that may be just as effective or more so than traditional remedies. Be assured that your Chiropractor has a proper education and the full ability to help with various health conditions and situations.